We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for recurrence of surgically managed ovarian mature cystic teratoma (MCT). A total of 178 women with MCT managed surgically at our clinic were included in this retrospective study. The cases were followed for a minimum of 34 months. Risk factors recorded were age, gravidity, diameter of MCT, tumour markers, bilaterality, operation time and recurrence time. One hundred forty-one women (79.2%) underwent laparoscopy and the other thirty-seven patients (20.8%) underwent laparotomy. The mean age of patients with cyst recurrence was significantly lower than that of patients without recurrence (p = 0.02). There was a significantly lower median gravidity and parity in this group. The capacity of younger age, lower gravidity and parity in predicting the recurrence of ovarian MCT was analysed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The cut-off value of age, number of gravidity and parity was 26, 1 and 0, respectively. In conclusion, younger age and lower gravidity and parity were predictive of recurrence due to a more conservative approach in young and nulliparous patients. Therefore, we suggest regular follow-up visits during the postoperative period, especially for younger patients and those with lower numbers of gravidity and parity.
Keywords: Ovarian mature cystic teratoma; recurrence; risk factors; surgery.